PORTLAND, OR -- An FBI agent has been indicted for his actions during the 2016 traffic stop where LaVoy Finicum was shot and killed, during the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Following the shooting that killed Finicum, investigators found a round that hit the canopy of Finicum's pickup. Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson led the investigation into the shooting and says, "One of the gunshots in the roof of Finicum’s pickup was one of the unaccounted for rounds." 

Agent Joseph Astarita, a member of the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), is accused of firing the shot. U.S. Attorney for Portland Billy Williams says Astarita lied about taking the shot. "Special Agent Astarita falsely stated he did not fire his weapon during the attempted arrest of Mr. Finicum, when in fact, he did." Astarita is charged with three counts of making false statements and two counts of obstruction of justice.

Williams says the indictment "does not change the quality or the outcome of the investigation." It was determined that the Oregon State Police officers who fatally shot Finicum in January 2016 were justified. However, Sheriff Nelson tells KBND News the FBI agent's actions damaged the integrity of the law enforcement profession. "This type of behavior stands in stark contrast to the professionalism and integrity displayed by the Oregon State Police and Superintendent Travis Hampton."